A proposed constitutional amendment requires a three-fifths vote of both chambers. The measure is due to be heard in a Senate committee Monday.

"I don’t view this as class-size repeal," Weatherford said. "It is merely making it better. It is taking a good idea and making it workable."

HJR919 puts a constitutional amendment on the 2010 ballot that halts class-size compliance at the school average, while raising the maximum number of students per classroom. That means:

• PreK to third grade: Classroom maximum goes to 21, but school average is 18

• Grades 4-8: Classroom maximum goes to 27, but school average is 22

• Grades 9-12: Classroom maximum goes to 30, but school average is 25

Democrat after Democrat argued in debate that the measure threatens school funding, will repeal all the learning gains and defies the will of voters who put class size into the Constitution with a 2002 vote.

About the blog

Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How are state tests being used to compare Florida schools? What's going on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.